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Rochester Local

Rochester MN Area Guide To Fall Date Night

 

Fall Date Night
4th Street SE Bridge

As summer starts to wind down and a crisp breeze in the air moves in, a new wave of date nights is on the table. There is something so romantic about a chilly fall day or evening! Whether you choose to snuggle up and enjoy the fall colors change indoors or outdoors, the Rochester area has something for everyone to enjoy! Breweries, wineries, coffee shops, orchards, corn mazes, live music, and then some – you will be sure to find something tailored to your ideal date night this fall!

If you’re looking for romantic dining options, don’t forget to check out our Rochester MN Guide to Date Night Restaurants!


Breweries

dall date night
Photo provided by Forager Brewery & Cafe

Updated August 2024

The number of breweries in Rochester has grown over the past few years, giving more options to visit! Within Rochester, there are five local breweries, and some of them have delicious food as well. If they don’t make food in-house, you can be sure to find a food truck close by to meet your hunger needs! Not only does Rochester have a great selection of breweries, but the surrounding area does as well. Whether it be a day or night date, making the stop to at least one of these local breweries will be sure to make your tastebuds and stomach happy!

Local breweries include:

FORAGER | LITTLE THISTLE | THESIS BEER PROJECT | LTS BREWING CO. 

Forager Brewery & Cafe

Address: 1005 6th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Phone: (507) 258-7490

Foragerfest | September 14, 10 AM – close

Trivia Night | 2nd Monday of each month, 7 PM

Live Music every week! Be sure to check out the event calendar to see when and who is playing!

 

Thesis Beer Project

Address: 1929 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Phone: (507) 206-3283

Trivia | Thursdays, 7 PM

Live Music every week! Be sure to check out our event calendar to see when and who is playing!

 

Little Thistle Brewing

Address: 2031 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Phone: (507) 226-8014

Sunday Matinee | Sundays, 1 PM

Live Music every week! Be sure to check out our event calendar to see when and who is playing!

 

LTS Brewing Co. 

Address: 2001 32nd Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Phone: (507) 226-8280

Oktoberfest | September 21, 4-8 PM

Halloween BASH | October 26, 5 PM

Be sure to check out the event calendar to see if they have Live Music that week!


Quarry Hill Nature Center

fall date night
Photo provided by Quarry Hill Nature Center

701 Silver Creek Road NE, Rochester, MN 55906

507-328-3950

Who doesn’t love seeing the leaves change colors? Quarry Hill has many different trails, both paved and unpaved, that take you on a winding tour of all the different trees with beautiful changing colors! Pack a picnic (no glass please) and set out on a beautiful walk or hike to your destination. There are picnic tables and benches throughout the grounds, or find a grassy spot along the way! The beauty of Quarry Hill (besides the obvious) is that you get to pick your comfort level for a walk. Love a challenge? Head up to overlook the Quarry. Want to stick to the pavement? You’ll be sure to see gorgeous views of leaves changing colors everywhere you turn on this fall date night idea!


Rochester Trolley & Tour Co.

fall date night
Photo provided by Rochester Trolley & Tour Co.

103 20th Street NE, Stewartville, MN 55976

(507) 421-0573

This idea is so fun. The Rochester Trolley & Tour Co. has many different tours that would be perfect for a fall date night! Not only do they have winery tours, but they also have something for the True Crime lovers. True Crime: Rochester is a brand new tour that opens on September 6, 2024, and is sure to be a real crowd-pleaser for those who want to know more about the darker side of Rochester, MN! If that isn’t your vibe, then be sure to check out the Countryside Bluff Winery Tour. So get those flannels out and cuddle up as the Trolley does all the driving for you to your scenic destinations! You can book your tickets here.


Cooking Classes

fall date night
Photo provided by Bleu Duck Kitchen

How cool would this be? There is something so romantic about cooking together. Rochester and the surrounding area have a couple options to do just that, but with a professional chef to guide you! Bleu Duck Kitchen and Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyard are a couple of places that provide seasonal cooking classes. Unfortunately, Bleu Duck Kitchen’s classes are sold out for the season, but make sure to check back in the New Year for their upcoming classes! Make sure to purchase your tickets soon, these understandably sell out fast!

Sunday School Classes | Bleu Duck Kitchen

September 15, 2024 // 2 – 4 PM – Canning & Preserving

October 20, 2024 // 2 – 4 PM – Squash 101 & Fall Whites

November 17, 2024 // 2 – 4 PM – Soups & Stews with Beer Tasting

Cooking Classes | Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyard

October 6, 2024 // 1 – 4:30 PM – Eat Like an Italian: Fall Harvest

October 18, 25, & 27, 2024 // 1 – 4:30 PM – Homemade Pasta & Sauces


Wineries

fall date night
Photo provided by Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery

SE Minnesota has beautiful wineries that are just a short drive away and perfect for a fall date night. This area also has some that are a bit further, but could definitely be turned into a day trip to make it worth your while! Many of these wineries have food ranging from small plates to a full menu. Some also allow you to walk the grounds with a glass of vino!

Wineries include:

Salem Glen Winery

Address: 5211 60th Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Phone: (507) 365-8758

Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery

Address: 78757 State Highway 16 Spring Valley, MN 55975

Phone: (507) 346-7300

Cannon River Winery

Address: 421 Mill Street West, Cannon Falls, MN 55009

Phone: (507) 263-7400

Villa Bellezza Winery

Address: 1420 3rd St, Pepin, WI 54759

Phone: (715) 442-2424


 

Art

photo by Rochester Art Center

Rochester provides a plethora of opportunities to view and experience art.  Below are some of the opportunities you have this fall to enjoy art tours, classes, and more! If you’re looking to be even more inspired, check out our guide,  17 Places to Get Creative in Rochester MN.

 

Rochester Art Center

Address: 30 Civic Center Drive SE, STE 120, Rochester, MN 55904

Phone: (507) 722-2552

Public Art Walking Tours: Sundays | 1 PM

Artist Spotlight Tour with Rotem Tamir: September 29, 2 PM

Join the artist of Rima: Passages in Sephardic Sculpture as she explores her North-African Jewish heritage and the strength and resilience of generations of women, their familial traditions, and artistic craft.

Artist Spotlight Tour: Melanie Pankau: November 9, 1 PM

Dive into the meditative and contemplative world of Melanie Pankau, whose innovative practice as a painter is deeply intertwined with her daily meditation and automatic drawing routines.

 

Gallery 24

Address: 609 N Broadway Ave Rochester, MN 55906

Phone: 507-226-8200

Check out one of the many classes on their event calendar!

Art Heads Emporium

Address: 317 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN 55904

Phone: (507) 319-0117

Art Heads Emporium offers classes and workshops right in the heart of downtown Rochester.  Their cozy and eclectic studio gives the perfect creative vibes for date night with your friend or partner.  We love the varied classes and the kind, friendly, and welcoming environment for all!


 

In addition to these fall date night ideas, be sure to add happy hours to your list! We have compiled a list of local happy hours for your convenience. Not only that, but be sure to get out there and enjoy the beautiful fall weather by visiting a corn maze or an orchard in the area before setting out to your date night destination!

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